THEREARE SOME
who talk of etiquette
with such reverence
that you could be forgiven
for thinking the game
would fall to ruin should
the ‘old way’ not be
upheld. And to an extent,
they are right. But there
is a difference between
rules, manners and blind
obsequience to archaic
ideals. Such sop-brained
blindness is clearly seen
through rules regarding
clothing.
Most clubs still have
strict rules regarding
attire on the course.
They will insist players
do not wear denim,
that their shirt has a
collar (no T-shirts)
and, in extreme cases,
that long socks be
worn with shorts. The
Sock Scenario is a
recent example of the
Establishment giving
ground to more lenient
times—at many courses,
short socks are now
allowed. (So long as
they’re white). I know.
It’s shocking.
These rules are
generally for private
clubs, but they are only
the tip of the iceberg.
Etiquette—the unwritten
rules—would demand
players avoid wearing
garish colours. I have
even heard people
suggest distracting
patterns should be
avoided, and that one
should try to avoid
standing out.
To me, that sounds like
incitement to riot. And,
GOLF’S OLD WORLD MUST EMBRACE THE NEW, WRITES WILL HONE.
OUT WITH THE OLD...
with Will Hone
IN
HONING
looking at the gear the
pros get around in when
they are on the job, you’d
have to say they feel the
same way.
In the modern era, the
pro-circuit has come to
represent the pinnacle of
golf, and it is a pinnacle
that pays scant regard to
old school etiquette.
From absurdly bright
dacks to skirts so short
their picture sticks to
workshop walls the world
over, there is a new wave
of golf sweeping the globe.
It’s not just a wave
that’s breaking on the
Tour. This game is our
inheritance, passed down
in its present state from
those who played before
us and it is ours to change
to the tastes of our time.
So it should be—nothing
stagnant thrives.
Golf is thriving. The
world of golf has expanded
in the past 50 years to
encompass more of
society than ever before,
and in doing so has
encountered many modern
interpretations.
Everyone has a right to
play as they wish. People
who find comfort behind
walls of tradition have
every right to insist that
visitors to their course
wear clothes they deem
appropriate. That is the
beauty of a private club.
And people who walk
out in mismatched plaid
hatch are welcome to their
strange comforts, too.
After all, the broad roof
of golf can house many
different styles. OTG
This game is our
inheritance, passed
down in its present
state from those
who played before
usanditisoursto
change to the tastes
of our time.
TELL US YOUR
THOUGHTS